Betta
Fish(Betta slendens)

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Betta
Fish or Betta
Splendens are members of the
family Osphronemidae.This
family also includes another very popular
freshwater tropical aquarium fish, the
gourami. Betta
Splendens are endemic to Tailand.

The
Betta earned the nickname “Siamese fighting fish”
because
of their highly territorial nature toward other male members of their
species. Two male betta fish will fight each other, very often to the
death, when placed in the same tank together. Males will even flare
their gills (in order to make him look bigger and more menacing) at
their own reflection.

Male bettas have been known to have trouble getting along with
anglefish, gouramis, and fancy guppies (especially the colorful males).
Male bettas are vulnerable to fin nippers such as tetras and barbs. You
might want to keep all this in mind when deciding whether to purchase
one to add to your community fish tank.

The Betta fish is indigenous to Thailand. They were first
domesticated in 1893 for combat where wagers were made on the outcome
of the fight. It wasn't until the 1920s when aquarists began keeping
them in home aquariums.

Interestingly enough, wild bettas do not have the brilliant colors
of those you see in pet stores. In their natural environment betta fish
are predominantly reddish-brown. The vibrant colors and billowing fins
of the commercially sold male bettas are the result of selective
breeding.

Female bettas, do not possess the exaggerated color palate or
decorative fins of their male counterparts. It is these distinct
differences that make it more difficult to find female bettas for sale
in department stores. They are, however, readily available in most pet
and aquarium stores for breeding purposes.

Ever wonder why you always see male bettas for sale in little fish
bowls? Contrary to popular belief, it is not strictly because of their
territorial nature. Betta fish
are a member of the Belontiidae family.
All belontiidae possess what is known as a labyrinth organ. This organ
allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen. While bettas do have gills
and take in dissolved oxygen, they need both in order to survive. You
will see betta fish frequently rise to the top of your aquarium to gulp
in air. Given this need for both atmospheric and dissolved oxygen,
bettas do not deplete the oxygen levels in water at the rate of other
fish. This is why they can live in non-aerated fish bowls.

Given the male betta’s territorial instincts, it is best to
have
at
least two females in the tank with them if you plan on attempting to
breed bettas. Make sure to provide the females with plenty of places to
hide from the male. It is best to keep the females in a separate tank
when they are not spawning. The females do not share the
male’s
aggressive behavior. They can be kept in the same tank or bowl together
without worry.

Bettas are carnivores. They will eat tropical fish flakes, tubifex
worms, bloodworms, and small crustaceans like brine shrimp. They will
also eat thawed frozen fish food. Many aquarium shops sale fish food
specially formulated for the betta fish.

Bettas can survive in a fish bowl. But they are better suited to
heated aquarium. They do best in neutral water (pH of 7.0) with a water
temperature between 77-83 degrees Fahrenheit.